An exercise in subtlety. Actually this was one of the most technically complicated paintings I've ever made. First it started with an idea. "You know what would be rad? A Japanese garden. In painting form."

Okay maybe it even sounded complicated at the time, but somehow I determined that I should do it. Even better, I actually used the technique on two paintings at the same time, the other of which I will show you soon. (That one's for my show.)

I'm an ideas person at heart. I know this because I'm often one to say, "I have an idea!" I'm talking Lucille Ball style here. I'm further used to watching a varied number of people brace themselves for hearing whatever my idea is, despite the fact that they sincerely want to support it and help me make my visions a reality. It's produced some of the most profound experiences of my life.

It's also been a lot of work. (Especially for those who have helped me. I generally work alone now, but years ago my "ideas" were implemented on grand scales for large art projects and community events that required significant amounts of money, time, team effort, and faith. I'll never tire of thanking Colin, Becky, Carla, Jyro, Chuck, Craig, and all our extra helpers during those years. It was a beautiful time.)

Anyway, back to this painting. I had no plan when I started. I had no concept about how one would even go about accomplishing this. I just drew my idea on canvas and started with what I thought "might" work. It took three and a half months of labor every single day. It was hard. At various points I thought I might have to scrap the whole thing. It's so heavy I could hardly lift it onto the wall at Gen Kai.

Gen Kai! Speaking of which, this is the newest installation and part of an ongoing series of work I'm creating for them. :)

I wanted to both recreate the look and feel of a real Japanese Dry Garden while also infusing the painting with my own personal touches that reflect my style. From far away it looks like a traditional dry garden and close up you're able to see subtle variances in color shine through the sand.

Stop by in person to see my growing collection at this incredible restaurant. Gen Kai has been around since 1983, and even suffered a fire last year that destroyed much of the restaurant. They rebuilt and are back better than ever. I'm honored to be a part of their ongoing history.